Yes, kids can start a blog (with the help of a caregiver). In fact, you can start your blog in less than an hour. Become a blogger today with our easy, step-by-step guide.
Important Note: Before you get started, you will need the approval of a parent or caregiver. They will have to participate in this process. They will need to sign the user agreement and use their credit card.
Today, you will learn all about easily creating a blog on your own and how to start a WordPress blog. Blogging can change your life, earning you money while doing something you love. By starting young, you can really get ahead! You can start a money-making blog for just a few dollars a month! Below is a link to get started. You will also receive a free blog domain through this link too.
Disclosure: We are affiliates for Bluehost, and will receive a commission if you sign up through our referral link. This is at no additional cost to you, and you will get great pricing and a free domain name through our link.
Click here to start a blog, then use the tutorial below for easy, step-by-step directions.
Here are the 5 simple steps to starting your blog. We’ll go into more details below.
We’ll walk you through each of the 5 steps to getting your blog set up again.
The first step is coming up with a blog name. This is also called the domain name and will show up in the website URL (www.domainname.com).
Once you pick your domain name, it can’t be changed, so this is an important step.
So what do you want to name your blog? Take your time in coming up with a blog name you’ll be happy with. Your blog name could be your name or your (future) business’ name. Do you know what you plan to write about? If so, your blog name could relate to that specific topic. If you don’t know what you plan on writing about, plan to cover a variety of topics, or think you may want to change the topic down the road, that’s ok too! You could come up with a fun, silly or random name for your blog! Make sure you get your parent’s approval when choosing a blog name!
Picking a blog name is also tricky because you can’t use anything that’s already taken. So don’t get too set on any specific blog name until you run it through Bluehost website to see if it’s available.
To see what names are available and get your hosting through Bluehost, click HERE.
You will see this this screen. Click “Host Your Site” on the left hand side:
Next, you can choose your plan. You can see that Bluehost offers a variety of plans. For most kids or teens starting out, the “Basic” plan will be your best (and cheapest) option.
Once you select your plan, you can start playing around with different blog (or domain) names to see if they are available. Not only can you pick your blog name, you can decide if you want a .com, .biz, .org, .info, .space….the list is long! We like that if your blog name is not available, Bluehost will give you some alternative ideas that are available.
Once you pick your blog name (and it’s available), you can finish setting up your account. This is where you need a parent or guardian. Per the Bluehost user agreement, “The Services are intended solely for users who are eighteen (18) years of age or older. Any registration by, use of or access to the Services by anyone under eighteen (18) is unauthorized and in violation of this Agreement. By registering for or using the Services, you represent and warrant that you are eighteen (18) years of age or older.”
This is also the point in the process where a credit card is needed. You have to pay for the first year’s hosting upfront. If you use our special link, for the 12 month Basic plan, this will cost $35.40.
We also recommend adding on Domain & Privacy Protection for an additional .99/month.
This step is super easy. Bluehost makes it painless to “install” WordPress, the blogging platform.
Once you create your password, Bluehost will guide you through exactly what you need to do in order to start your WordPress blog.
First, you will pick your “theme” or style for your blog. There are tons of options (both free and ones that cost money).
Once you’ve picked your theme, continue to follow the prompts.
And that’s it! You’ve set up the website for your blog!
This next step is optional, and can be done now or later.
There are tons of third-party plug-ins you can add to your site.
To add plug-ins, go to your WordPress dashboard, find “Plug-ins” on the left hand side, and click “Add New”. Next, search for any Plug-in you want to install. Click “Install”, followed by “Activate”.
After trial and error over many years, there are a couple plug-ins we recommend off the bat:
Now that your website is all set up, the real fun begins. Start writing those blog posts!
Remember, Bluehost is technically for ages 18+, so work with a parent or caregiver to figure out how to move forward. Perhaps you can write your blog posts elsewhere (like on a Word doc, or Google doc), then you can work with the adult in your life to get your post transferred over to your WordPress blog and published on-line.
Make it yours! Turn your vision into a reality.
Have fun trying new things! This is sure to be a fun, challenging and rewarding ride. Enjoy the journey!
You’re now a blogger!